Hi, My name is Lenny and this is my story.
In the year of 2000, it was decided I had to have a toy. I have always had a passion for German cars: their engineering just makes sense. I wanted something special, so when the 550 Spider caught my eye I did some research and ordered a vintage spider from Greg Leach. I ordered it motor less. I had to have something special. After checking on the Internet most everyone told me T1 was what I wanted but I have had a T1 in the past and was not happy with the durability. A stock engine might due but I wanted 150 hp beast. I started talk about a TIV and was told locally and on the Internet that they sucked. The valves dropped, did not make power and were expensive.
Well, that all changed when I talked to Jake Ruby. He told me that's the way it used to be. He had done research and had many engines out in the world that run without problems. I told him what I needed for power and he said 2270 would fit the bill. Jake said T1 and TIV power are not the same, T1 was very violent where TIV was smooth. Jake helps make you feel comfortable, his knowledge and passion for what he does is incredible.
We agreed on the price of the engine and got the ball rolling. Jake would call once a week to let me know what progress had been made on the engine. We did have a small set back when Adrian from Headflow Master broke his leg. Jake would not have anyone else do the work on my heads. I got a call late one night and it was Jake, he said do you want to hear your motor. He had it on his test stand to break in the cam, it was so great to be part of the whole process even if it was by phone.
I sent Jake the balance for the engine and shipping. When the engine arrived it was in an incredible homemade bulletproof enclosure. I built a small addition with all the lumber.LOL
My engine sat for five months waiting for the car to arrive. When the car arrived I now had to wait for the car to be painted, another four months. The car was finally done in February of 2002. I took the car to a car show and it took best in class, I was very happy.
Weather was finally good enough to take the car out in March. Let me tell you how she runs. Well, I started by babying the car, taking it easy with the new engine. I stopped by to see Jake on my way to Florida, nice set-up. Jake said what are you doing, get on it, drive it like you stole it. When I got back home I did just that,
Wow, the car runs wicked quick, it squats and goes very fast. I enjoy slipping it in to the turns, Mustang's and Jap cars with wings are getting to know me. They don't like me... In 2003, I plan on getting in one of racer Chris's Super header to unleash even more potential of my 2270 giant killer.
In closing if any of you are looking for a "power" plant for you're a/c, VW, TIV is the only place to be and Jake Raby is the one who in my opinion should build it. Thanks for making my engine.
Your friend,
Lenny Cuccureddu
See more customer testimonials